NE Region Weekly Check In: Ordinary Time in Un-Ordinary Times 20 August 2020

NORTHEAST REGION MISSIVE

Weekly Check-In:

20 August 2020

You can find the most recent COVID-19 update from our Bishops HERE (plus, earlier letters if you are curious!)

Need a little assistance with Zoom? HERE is a "how-to" that might be able to help!

A Word of Encouragment from your NE Region Missionary

Hello dear siblings in Christ,

I hope this weekly missive finds you well - it's hard to imagine that it's been nearly six months since our isolation started because of COVID-19. Life certainly feels different and looks different. Many of us are becoming accustomed to working from home, going to the grocery store only once or twice a month, finding creative ways to engage with our children and grandchildren, and perhaps exploring our beautiful world through hiking, walking, or being in the water.

Despite how gorgeous a summer in New England can be (especially if hot and humid is your jam), I know that this pandemic continues to be challenging. I have to remind myself often that the best way for me to care for my neighbors is to stay away from them, even though I long to be in community with people like I used to be. It is quite tiresome to be in the same place all of time, and ready access to news sites can make this feel even worse. And so I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. You need not fight every battle every day.

With the idea of being gentle with myself, I will be on vacation beginning Friday, 21 August through Labor Day, 7 September. I will be stepping away from technology as much as I can, and rejoicing in the beauty of rest, nature, and re-creation. I look forward to reconnecting with you in September. In the time between please be safe, be well, and be kind - to yourself and to others. Peace & love to you.

Photo by Maggie Breen

Resources for Anti-Racism Work

If you are looking to get involved with Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation and/or Anti-Racism work but aren't sure where to start, below are a few good resources for you to check out that have been curated by either myself or the good folks involved in the Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation Ministry Network:

THIS VIDEO was shared during a book group I'm part of: an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Strong language present.

Last week, The Episcopal News Service ran THIS ARTICLE that features and priest and a bishop, both former police officers, talking about policing and a system in crisis.

The Episcopal Church Foundation has recently developed their own curated page with many resources which can be used to engage in this work. CLICK HERE to access their resources.

CNN ran a news article earlier this month that talks about how White people can strive for JUSTICE, and how that will look like sharing power and giving up power. It's a good read, and made me take a hard look at what I can be doing better.

ECF ran another helpful article called THE MESSY BUSINESS OF BEING WHITE. I really liked the spiritual practices at the end - a good way to remember that doing the work of fighting against racism means joining with God to bring the Kingdom closer.

Social Isolation: Staying Connected & Having Fun

This is the space of possibility! A space where we have time to explore what we are curious about. A space where we can figure out how to find joy when we must be apart.

So..........here are some things I've found interesting in the past week: music, projects, art, articles, etc. May they be of service to us so that we can be in service to others.

September begins the 24th Annual Source to Sea Clean Up put on by the Connecticut River Conservancy. There are loads of opportunities to volunteer; and careful attention is being paid to safety since we are still in a pandemic.

Jimmy Fallon creates another wonderful at-home music opportunity with the cast from Hamilton singing Helpless.

Did you know that the Mystic Seaport is offering a lot of virtual content? Check it out HERE. So many interesting things!

I thought this contemporary dance & vocal cover of Conversations In The Dark by John Legend was powerful and beautiful.

Bonus Content - I've probably featured this video before, but really - it's paw-some.

Open Office Hours w/Jasree & Alli

Do you have specific questions about websites or social media or equipment? Is zoom driving you nuts or FB live being finicky? Come to the ECCT Digital Office Hours on Thursday afternoons at 1pm with Jasree & Alli - they will be happy to help answer your questions!

Registration required - click here

Some Webinars You Might Be Interested In

August 26 at 1:00 pm ET - Creative Storytelling through Video and Live-Streaming Led by David Alexander, Communications Coordinator at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Register here.

September 16 at 1:00 pm ET - Graphic Design for Beginners Register here.

October 14 at 1:00 pm ET - Social Media for Churches Register here.

Resources & Important Information

Governor Lamont issued a press release stating FREE infared thermometers for houses of worship. CLICK HERE to read the release and apply for yours!

ECCT's page for COVID-19 update, which includes links to live stream services & other good info: https://www.episcopalct.org/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/

If you are looking for resources to egnage in work around Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation but can't find what you need, consider THIS FORM to help ECCT curate resources that fit your needs!

Are you signed up for the ECCT eNews? CLICK HERE to get it delivered to your inbox!

Save The Date: Upcoming Events

NE Region Warden Gathering

Our next NE Region Warden Gathering will be Tuesday, 8 September, at 7pm. Email Maggie for the zoom information if you are a warden and want to attend.

Crafting As Spiritual Practice Event: Find Your Joy

Join the NE Region for a Crafting As Spiritual Practice day focused on Joy! We will meet on Saturday, 12 September, from 10:30am to 12:30pm via zoom.

More information can be found HERE.

Lay Preaching Class 2020

The NE Region will be hosting another Lay Preaching Class, running on Thursday evenings beginning September 24 thru November 5 (skipping October 15th for Convention). Participation in this class is contingent on getting consent from your priest/warden. Questions, or ready to sign up, please contact Maggie at [email protected] or 203-639-3501 x154

NE Region Convocation

Save the date - Saturday, 3 October - for our next NE Region Convocation. This will be a half-day workshop around racism with a guest facilitator or two.

Registration details coming soon!

Are You Going to Convention?

Join ECCT for our annual convention, which will be totally on-line this year. Dates and information can be found HERE. The full Call to Convention letter can be found HERE, with lots of detailed information.

*totally free to attend if you are a non-voting member and only $15 if you are a voting member!

You can reach Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary, the following ways:

PHONE: 203-639-3501 x154

EMAIL: [email protected]